Gilded Age Newport Estate!

Gilded Age Newport Estate!

Gilded Age Newport Estate!

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We tend to think of the Gilded Age as a very romantic period in our history where America flourished under the wealth produced by the railroad and other new industries. But it was interesting to note that the Gilded Age took place only in the northern (Union) tier of states, while the southern states (Confederate) were steeped in poverty from Pennsylvania to Florida and across through Texas. Those states were deeply suffering the aftermath of the Civil War and the lowered prices on cotton and tobacco, their major source of income, were fueling southern poverty on a grand scale. It was a study of extremes in standards of living - the haves and the have nots. Sound familiar?

The northern Gilded Age was historically important because it established wealth in families whose names the country will never forget such as John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Mellon, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Flagler, J.P. Morgan and the Vanderbilt family among others. Such wealth brought with it the same problems we have today such as arguments over government interference, method of taxation, corruption, favoritism, bribery, inefficiency and government spending waste. So when we hear that "history repeats itself", just the comparison between the Gilded Age and today goes to show us that what goes ‘round, really does come ‘round again!

The only true romance left from the Gilded Age was in the beautiful mansions it left behind for us to continue to enjoy today. These mansions were built to last through the centuries with craftsman skills we will never see again. We’re fortunate that these marvelous estates are still here to be admired and lived in by the lucky few.

Fairholme is one such example currently on the market. Built in 1874 and designed by Frank Furness, it was one of the many summer beachfront "cottages" in the Newport, Rhode Island area where the wealthy would retire with their families and friends to loll away and entertain each other beside the ocean for the summer. It rests on 4.3 acres with 425 feet of ocean frontage. The highlight of this impressive compound is the 24,393 square foot Tudor-style mansion with its 16 bedrooms and 14 baths. Its interior magnificence, with the largest ballroom of all the mansions in the area, is highlighted with silk wall coverings, immense fireplaces, elaborate plasterwork and stunning beams with a list of amenities far too long to explore. There is also a charming 6 bedroom carriage house, three greenhouses that supply endless blooming plants for the house and grounds, as well as a completely tiled pool with cabana pavilion and outdoor living area overlooking green lawns and the Atlantic.

Fairholme, famed Newport summer retreat of the Gilded Age tycoons, now available for $17.9 million.

Source: www.liladelman.com